Signs Of Changing Seasons

Even though summer weather lingers in Rim Country for several more weeks, there are subtle hints of autumn in the air. The sun rises later in the morning and sets earlier in the evening; its rays slant lower in the sky and with less intensity than at midsummer. Crickets' nightly serenades reach frenzied levels as they make the most of still-warm evenings. The leaves of the quaking aspen in our front yard no longer wear their early-spring green; the shade is softer and darker and one day not too far off will turn golden before they fall. Some birds already are flocking together to share summer's news before heading further south. Squash and tomatoes and fruits are ripening, and how delicious they are, right from the garden or orchard. Soon we will turn the calendar page to September, and with a faint feeling of melancholy, bid adieu to another summer.

And here we go again - once more political campaign signs are blossoming on every street corner like ubiquitous late summer weeds. I certainly wouldn't be influenced to vote for someone on the basis of a name on a sign. If I were queen of the universe, all campaign signs would be banned.

Andy Towle/Roundup - atowle@payson.com

The Payson Senior Center facility has become more accessible with
the recent installation of a chair glide. Purchased with funds from
Gila County, the chair has a weight limit of 300 pounds and is ADA
compliant, which opens up the upper room for many uses. Jo Johnson,
administrative assistant to Gila County Dist. 1 Supervisor Tommie
Martin, tries her hand at the new chair glide as she takes a turn
down the stairs to a waiting Barbara Underwood, president of the
Payson Senior Center Board of Directors.

Payson Regional Senior Circle

If you like to play Bunco, join the fun tomorrow, Aug. 20, from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Senior Circle Activity Center, 215 N. Beeline Highway.

From 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, the Senior Circle will hold a health fair by appointment only. Members who have not been to a SC Health Fair in the past six months may make an appointment at (928) 472-9290 to have cholesterol, HgAlc (blood sugar) and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing. These are fasting tests.

Yoga will be offered from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25 at the Senior Circle. Call the above number for information.

Senior Circle's Medical Loan Closet offers loan of free medical equipment such as crutches, walkers, commodes, wheelchairs and other items. Donations of medical items are accepted at the Circle or can be picked up by appointment.

Payson Senior Center and Thrift Store

Luci Shaw, safety coordinator for Mazatzal Casino, will speak on "Home Safety" at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20 in the Senior Center Dining Room, 514 W. Main Street. The meeting is open to the public.

The August Birthday Celebration will be at noon, Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the Senior Center. Menu for the day is baked fish, cole slaw, carrots and peas, corn bread, birthday cake and beverage. Please make advance reservations by calling (928) 474-4876 or stop in to the Center Lobby.

Gloria Alliger from the U.S. Forest Service will be guest speaker at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Center. Her topic will be fire safety, fire prevention and general Forest Service information.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Mayor Kenny Evans will visit the Center and talk about "What's Happening in Payson". The public is invited.

The Senior Thrift Store staff wishes to thank Bashas', Safeway, Wal-Mart and the store's wonderful volunteers and friends who provided refreshments for the recent National Thrift Store Day Celebration.

Beginning Sept. 2, men and women's clothing will be on sale at the Thrift Store, 512 W. Main Street. Clothing marked with green tags will be 50 percent off the marked price; orange tags, 25 percent off; and yellow tags, 25 cents per garment. Items on the Made in USA table and selected artwork also will be on sale at 25 percent off the marked price. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday and all proceeds benefit the Senior Center.

Finy Staalberg held the winning raffle ticket for a quilt, hand made and donated by Betty Moore, a Thrift Store volunteer. Finy also is a thrift store volunteer and has served at the store for more than 10 years.